Anazao Podcasts

"He'll regret it to his dying day, if he ever lives that long."

Welcome to my dojo, this is Kung Fu Pizza Party. Today, I sit down to discuss 1952s The Quiet Man starring John Wayne. The Quiet Man is certainly not a part of the martial art pop culture world, it isn't even a Western, but it is a very good movie that features an excellent nine minute long fight scene. So grab a porter and settle in for a cozy, romcom that is willing to beat the brains out of you.

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Christian Ashley and TJ Blackwell dig into the people behind Master Chief from the Halo franchise, talking mentors, allies, and why John‑117 keeps saving the galaxy. This is part of The Faces Behind Us series on Systematic Geekology for 2026, so they focus on the folks who shaped him. They break down characters like Dr. Kathryn Halsey, Cortana, Sergeant Johnson, and the Arbiter, and why each one matters. They point out that he’s more luck than the absolute best at everything, and that the real power is who sees him as a person. They keep the chat chill and witty, with easy banter and a few clever jabs at the wild Forerunner lore. Listeners looking for a simple, fun tour of Halo and the faces behind the helmet will dig this one.

Master Chief gets the royal rundown by Christian and TJ, and they keep it chill and clear. He is John 117, a big lucky soldier in giant armor. They talk about the ring world called Halo, the Flood that eats minds, and the Covenant aliens who think humans are heretics. Christian says Chief never shows his face. TJ reminds everyone Chief is huge, fast, and steady. They agree he is not the absolute best at everything, but he keeps turning up at the right time. That luck becomes his brand.

They name the people who shape him. Dr. Catherine Halsey built the Spartan program. She stole kids and made super soldiers. The hosts call her grey, not pure evil, but also not a saint. Cortana is the AI who learns feelings and becomes Chief’s voice. Sergeant Johnson is the salty human who keeps it real. The Arbiter is the alien mirror of Chief and shows the other side of the war. Christian and TJ use simple examples and jokes to make big lore feel friendly. They wrap with what we can learn: be stubborn like Chief, but don’t forget rest and friends.

Takeaways:

• They say Master Chief is more symbol than perfect soldier, luck often tops raw feats.
• He explains Dr. Halsey is a messed up genius who stole kids, helped save humanity anyway.
• They point out Cortana is John's emotion voice, then AI gets risky after long learning, no lie.
• He and TJ talk about Spartans being made by force, a grim trade off for safety.
• They note Sergeant Johnson is the regular human who grounds the story, big heart, big grit.
• They praise the Arbiter arc for showing alien politics, fake religion, and how power bends truth.
• They warn that Chief's endless self sacrifice is heroic but unhealthy; people should take breaks too.
• They finish by saying play the games not the show, and learn to see people first.

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Be sure to check out our merch, find extra content, and become an official member of Systematic Geekology on our website:

https://systematic-geekology-shop.fourthwall.com/

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Listen to all of our annual theme episodes for 2026, "The Faces Behind Us":

https://player.captivate.fm/collection/dd903597-98be-49ed-998c-5cdaf73b6af4

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Listen to more of our gaming episodes:

https://player.captivate.fm/collection/409f2d81-9857-4426-b1f0-d8a02e58b150

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Check out our videogames icons series from 2025:

https://player.captivate.fm/collection/30a3357e-d746-4884-9cc1-d5826f031c9e

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Check out other episodes with Christian:

https://player.captivate.fm/collection/ebf4b064-0672-47dd-b5a3-0fff5f11b54c

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Listen to all of TJ's episodes:

https://player.captivate.fm/collection/f4c32709-d8ff-4cef-8dfd-5775275c3c5e

Rev Dr Tom Hermans-Webster joins us for an (unplanned but exciting) celebratory episode! We asked him to come talk to us about the world of publishing, but after the Blue Wave of November 3, we ended up talking a lot about the intersection of theology and politics. Publishing does make an appearance, though, don't you worry.

Tom also brought a drink he inherited from his grandfather, and needless to say the Chauncey is a doozy! See if you can figure out when we've all lost the plot.

The episode foregrounds the Curian Network's initiative to reconceive ordination by offering credentialing and communal accompaniment to ministers who have been marginalized or constrained by conventional denominational systems. Joshua Noel conducts the interview with Jill Elizabeth and Jonathan Foster, and he elicits from them an exposition of the network's rhizomatic, relational polity, its underlying commitment to "uncontrolling love," and its practical protocols such as psychological evaluation, background checks, and reference verification. Jill conveys how the network cultivates microcommunities and pastoral care across secular and liturgical settings, while Jonathan articulates the pragmatic mechanics of application, endorsement, and the provisional timelines that currently characterize the credentialing process. They recount poignant cases in which individuals, confronted with ecclesial exclusion—particularly around issues of race and LGBTQ inclusion—found restoration of vocational integrity and continued ministry through the network's endorsement. The conversation further explicates the Network's deliberate avoidance of hierarchical power dynamics in favor of shared responsibility, even as it recognizes the necessity of minimal safeguards and tiers of recognition. Ultimately, the guests and host propose that the Curian Network seeks to broaden the ecclesiological imagination, address structural disaffection, and furnish viable vocational pathways for those committed to faithful public ministry.

Joshua Noel moderates a deliberate and rigorous conversation in which he engages Jill Elizabeth and Jonathan Foster about the reconstituted Curian Network and the practical theology of ordination. He read scripture to frame the discussion and then invited each guest to elucidate the motivations that produced the network's name change from OpenTable to Curian, derived from cura (care). Jonathan explains the change as pragmatic and intentional, while Jill emphasizes pastoral care and relational ministry. Together they outline a credentialing practice designed for ministers who retain vocational integrity after leaving exclusionary or coercive institutions.

They describe a process that balances openness with accountability. The network privileges a rhizomatic, relational model of endorsement rather than an overarching hierarchical polity. Applicants undergo a background check, a psychometric assessment, reference conversations, and a credentialing interview that verifies assent to a code of ethics and an ecclesial paradigm anchored in "uncontrolling love." The speakers detail tiers for licensing, ordination, and chaplaincy endorsement and highlight the capacity of the network to provide legitimate 501(c)(3) structures, chaplain endorsements, and community formation for ministers otherwise marginalized by their prior bodies.

Takeaways:

• They describe the Curian Network as a relational, nonhierarchical option for ministry credentialing.
• She says the network requires psych evaluations, background checks, and reference checks before ordination.
• He explains the credentialing process usually includes a short Zoom interview and takes about four to six weeks.
• They stress that the network centers uncontrolling love and welcomes ministers who cannot keep integrity within former denominations.
• She shares that the network helps ministers retain roles such as chaplaincy and find community without abandoning their beliefs.
• He notes the network seeks to be open and flexible while still upholding minimal safeguards and ethical standards.
• They report that ordination ceremonies are simple, joyful, and public affirmations without heavy pomp or hierarchy.
• She and he both observe that ecclesial structures will change and local churches must adapt to new ministerial realities.

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You can leave a donation, buy podcast merchandise, check out previous series that we've done, or become an official member of The Whole Church Podcast on our website:

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Check out all of the other shows in the Anazao Podcast Network and find merch to support some of your favorite podcasts on the network's website:

https://anazao-podcasts-shop.fourthwall.com/

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Listen to all of our Holy Logistics series here:

https://player.captivate.fm/collection/0baf30ad-3ecd-47a9-bbb4-d67e61e1919e

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Check out more from The Curian Network:

https://thecurian.org/

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Listen to more of Jill on Systematic Geekology:

https://player.captivate.fm/collection/93b2d7c5-1f3a-4fdb-8d87-350f6ca167b9

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Hear more from Joshua on his other podcast, Be Living Water:

https://be-living-water.captivate.fm/listen

"How does a good man decide when to kill?"

Welcome to my dojo, this is Kung Fu Pizza Party. Today, we are back in the Arcade with my review of 2007s Hitman starring Timothy Olyphant. Hitman is a widly popular game series, but has yet to have much success in the film department. In this episode, I take a brief look at the history of both the games and the films, talk about how the movie is very bare bones creatively, and most important, comment on how BALD everyone is.

Instagram: @KungFuPizzaParty

Letterboxd: KungFuPizzaPrty

YouTube: @StudioTwoOneNine

Join us as we talk to Comic Book Author, Ben Boruff, about his debut comic series: Coop.

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Kevin Schaefer and Christian Ashley talk about what's new in pop culture, mainly the Clayface movie, Wildwood, and the new Avatar: Seven Havens on Paramount+. Kevin says Clayface is a tight, scary, character-driven Halloween flick that works on its own. Christian digs the film too and says it makes the villain feel real without just saying he was misunderstood. They both rave about Wildwood as a Laika stop-motion wonder with deep themes and gorgeous, handmade visuals. Kevin calls Avatar: Seven Havens a bold, different sequel that deals with Korra’s fallout and can be enjoyed by new viewers. They also flag You Can See Everything as a bonkers, three-hour mind-bender from Nathan Fielder. The hosts open with a quiet tribute to Patrick Stewart and end by saying go see these movies this Halloween season.

Kevin and Christian kick off with a quick, heartfelt nod to Patrick Stewart. He gets props for Picard and other big roles. They keep it real and a bit raw. Then they jump into Clayface. They think it is a tasty bit of Halloween horror. He says it feels like a self-contained movie. It does not shove in a billion universe tie-ins. They like that a lot. The script came from Mike Flanagan originally. He did not direct, but his stamp is there. The clay body horror works. The actors sell the pain and confusion. The movie makes the villain feel real without saying, "Oh he was only misunderstood." The tone swings between sympathy and chill dread. They talk about small misses like a blink cameo and a plane scene that could be stronger. Still, they call it fun, spooky, and smart. He gives it a thumbs up for Halloween. They say you can watch it without reading a DC textbook first. Bottom line: good monster movie that nods to DC and sticks to its own bones.

They dig into Avatar: Seven Havens like two fans geeking out. He and Christian say the new show is set years after Korra. The world is changed and small now. There are only a few cities left. The Avatar situation is weird. Twins Pavi and her sister pop up as two linked Avatars. That twist keeps things tense. People hate the Avatar because of past fallout. The twins train under White Lotus care. The city of Ellora has storms and tight rules. Jay, the airbender kid, is a fresh, fun new face. The show mixes big lore hints with new drama. They like that it feels fresh and strange. He says it is easy to jump into, but watching the old shows helps. They also hype a Kuruk spin-off. They call the whole franchise a living world that keeps growing. Short take: it respects the past while daring new moves, and fans should check it out.

They rave about two very different films next. Wildwood gets star treatment. He calls it a stop-motion feast. It is made by Laika and it took forever to craft. The movie is about a girl who dives into a dark forest to save her brother from crows. The craft is jaw-dropping. The story leans hard on grief, choices, and how violence changes people. He and Christian say it is not dumbed down. Kids can watch if they are older. The voice cast slaps. It feels like a classic fantasy done with big heart. Then they unpack You Can See Everything. On paper it is an Elizabeth Holmes doc. In practice it is wild. Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim mash doc and narrative tricks. The film messes with your head in the best way. It is long, strange, and keeps you guessing if you should trust what you see. He says the movie will be talked about for years. Final note: they push people to see these movies in theaters and promise more chat later.

Takeaways:

• He says Clayface is a smart, self-contained DC horror movie that works for Halloween.
• He says Wildwood is a stunning stop-motion fantasy that treats violence as heavy, not heroic.
• Christian says Avatar: Seven Havens expands lore five years after Korra and raises big mysteries.
• They both agree Wildwood and Clayface are great Halloween picks and deserve theater money.
• He notes You Can See Everything is a bonkers three hour film that messes with documentary form.
• They warn Clayface has some body horror and gore, so it is not for tiny kids.
• Kevin jokes human made Wildwood beats AI trash, and he urges people to buy tickets now.

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Be sure to check out our merch, find extra content, and become an official member of Systematic Geekology on our website:

https://systematic-geekology-shop.fourthwall.com/

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Check out more of our film reviews:

https://player.captivate.fm/collection/6a01e00d-cfd7-4041-a7a4-1fd32c545050

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Check out all of our DCU episodes:

https://player.captivate.fm/collection/8c9da262-e657-44a7-b14a-9649933f5347

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Check out other episodes with Kevin:

https://player.captivate.fm/collection/84fd7d06-cf1f-48e5-b358-09a01c5a6bc9

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Listen to all of Christian's episodes:

https://player.captivate.fm/collection/ebf4b064-0672-47dd-b5a3-0fff5f11b54c

Welcome back to My Seminary Life. Over the past few episodes we've been discussing the Satanic Panic, conspiracy theory mentality, and how we need to remember to love our neighbors, value ethical leadership, and not weaponize discernment. Today, I am joined by Joe Dea and Christian Ashley of Friday Night Frights for our now annual very, very long episode. In this episode, we talk about what are the characteristics of a conspiracy theory, the different pipelines people fall into to get sucked into this way of thinking, and how the church in America is often a place where this way of thinking is encouraged and perpetuated. From 9/11 to Ancient Aliens, UFO-ology and dinosuars building the pyramids, dragons, fairiers, and underwater sea monsters, from the superniche to the granddaddy of them all, the JFK assassination we cover a wide spread of conspiracies. Was the moon landing faked? Who really killed John Lennon? What's going on at Denver Airport? Is there already a cure for cancer? All this and more in this supersized edition of MSL!

Friday Night Frights: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/friday-night-frights/id1767040417

Contact: [email protected]

YouTube: @StudioTwoOneNine

Christian is joined once more by Karai Roe of the Foreign Saints Podcast (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-foreign-saints-podcast/id1679032899) to discuss 2 Samuel 11 and 12.

Why is it wrong for David to not be on the frontlines? Is Bathsheba culpable for anything during this time? How does Uriah prove his love for David and God? How does God provide even in the midst of evil? How does Nathan prove himself righteous? Did David's first child with Bathsheba deserve to die?

Joshua reviews the new albums from Noah Kahan (The Great Divide) and Judah & The Lion (I Am a Prism) up front. He says he likes both albums, but not as much as the artists’ last records. He walks through Noah Kahan songs like American Cars, Porchlight and Orbiter and talks about family, fame and feeling small in a loud world. He then digs into Judah & The Lion and loves How to Be Loved and As the Crow for their heart and grief, while calling Gravel Road a fun jam. He keeps the talk loose and jokey, but also gets deep about loss, being loved, and how music builds community. He asks people to listen, share, and come hang out and make some joyful noise together.

Joshua Noel keeps it loose and honest as he walks through two new albums. He talks Noah Kahan first and admits he liked the new record but not as much as Stick Season. He picks out songs like "American Cars," "Porchlight," and "Orbiter." He teases how Noah sings about family duty, how one sibling or parent always shows up, and how fame can make you feel like an astronaut and a regular kid at the same time. He says the songs are full of feeling. He mentions the fall vibe and how some lines hit hard. He also jokes about not being a music expert and says he just wants community. The tone is gentle. He mixes small jokes with real feeling. The listener gets a clear sense of what the songs mean and why they matter to him and to families who keep a porch light on.

Takeaways:

• He says he liked both new albums but did not love them as much as the artists' last records.
• He finds Noah Kahan's songs very emotional and family focused, good for fall vibes, but not quite Stick Season.
• He says Judah and the Lion made him laugh and cry; they hit deep with grief songs like 'As the Crow' and tender ones like 'How to Be Loved'.
• He uses songs like 'Porchlight' and 'Orbiter' to talk about home, fame, and wanting to be normal again.
• He jokes he is not a music expert but still shares honest feelings and invites listeners to join the community.

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Songs sampled in this episode:

• "American Cars" by Noah Kahan
• "Porch Light" by Noah Kahan
• "Orbiter" by Noah Kahan
• "Prism" by Judah & The Lion
• "Maybe the Best is Now" by Judah & The Lion
• "Gravel Roads" by Judah & The Lion
• "As the Crow" by Judah & The Lion
• "How To Be Loved" by Judah & The Lion

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